Josh - don't underestimate how many fixed wing pilots watch your channel for exactly this kind of information. I may tune out on the more quad specific stuff you cover but all in all your channel is one of the best out here for all of us RC enthusiasts. Keep it up!
Yes. I fly both quad and FW. But FW has more of my attention. Sometimes it irritates me when a good FPV TH-camr says ".... but if you just fly quad, you don't need... (something we need in FW)....."
I fly fixed wing, helicopters, and quadcopters. Why wouldn't I come here to learn and grow? Are guys who fly quads only into quads and guys who fly fixed wings only into fixed wings? If that's true for some, that's totally fine. But why would anyone assume that?
As someone who also creates content, I can 100% appreciate the time and effort that goes into making a video... I can imagine then the pain of having to redo a whole chunk of the vid and re-upload, so I really appreciate that you've corrected the info in here Joshua, well done! Thanks for the shout outs too :)
True. Most people will probably have no idea about the hours of preperation that go into these style of videos. And in 2 month, everything is outdated ;)
Damn, if only I knew, I would have gone expressLRS before buying a crossfire system. I just love opensource philosophy and TBS software only works on freaking window$.
Bardwell literally always goes above and beyond anything he has to. He deserves any good thing that comes to him in life sincerely... I have messaged him personally when I was having issues with my quad and he responded and helped me all the way until it was fixed
The updated segments are the entire ELRS segment at 27:45 and a note about ACCESS receiver at 10:46. Regarding the comparison between Tracer and ELRS at around 28:47, the reason Tracer has much shorter range is that it's using FLRC modulation instead of LoRa modulation like ELRS. The tradeoff is that Tracer has full telemetry, while ELRS has only rudimentary telemetry (vBat, LQ, and RSSI). The claim that ELRS has superior range and latency is not just based on this one test, which I pulled from Wez's YT as an example, and to demonstrate that the claims are based on real flight testing not just theory. Wez has done tons of apples-to-apples comparisons between ELRS and other protocols, and ELRS wins every time. However, if you need full telemetry for features like Betaflight Lua scripts or MAVLINK, ExpressLRS is not the best solution (today).
Thanks for the update :) For me ExpressLRS is a winner as I get superior range as well as I can stay within the 25mW rules in Europe and recycle my R9 equipment :)
Thanks for your work and all your video! But more telemetry has been added to ExpressLRS : github.com/ExpressLRS/ExpressLRS/pull/204 ;). As an open source project it evolve very quickly :D.
R9M ACCESS module can be used with the Radio Master TX16s. I have done mod on two RM TX16s and it works without issue. Here is the github link. github.com/cvetaevvitaliy/Radiomaster_TX16S
Getting into FPV as a bit of a noob and finding so many of your videos invaluable. It's clear a lot of research goes into them, thank you very much for making this type of information so accessible!
One of the best JB videos so far I think. Finally you sorted out all the relevant facts and facets around the radio link. I surely learned something today, thank you Joshua!
Appreciate your experience - shows in this video. Didn't realize how Crossfire answers 99% of my concerns. RIP FrSky. (If I had more time, I'd try ExpressLRS)
Wow, I didn't expect the decision to be so easy! Looks like I'm going with 2.4GHz ELRS! I'm a huge nut about open source software/hardware (which thankfully is all over the place in the world of miniquads), and it's always amazing when the best choice overall happens to also be open source. Thanks so much for the comprehensive video!
r9 acces only supported in FrSky radios? I have Radiomaster tx16s and my R9m lite pro module with Acces works great on this radio! Using telemetry requires a 2nd UART? I think you forgot about f.port
That got me thinking as well. I have a Jumper T12 Pro and one of the reasons that made me buy it was the module bay, compatible with R9. I don’t have the R9 module yet, but I am pretty sure they work together, I have it in the radio menu already. I could be wrong...
This video should be mandatory education for anyone getting into the hobby. SO MUCH GREAT INFO. Thank you JB. I would have saved about $200 on FrSky RX's that I either broke, or were outdated and I didn't know because I was new and just desperate to get in the air (like my XM+ and my R9 and my RX6R). I installed an Archer RS recently and wish that I had just bought a CRSF Nano instead.
Ive been out of the hobby for the better part of the last 2 years. Coming to this video is amazing, the amount of research and information that goes into videos like these is so appreciated. Cheers from Aus
Yeah, I absolutely agree! This is one of the best English channels - fantastic sound quality, which is so important to understand everything (esp. for me, because I'm german native). And Joshua's way of choosing the best possibility to describe something with few and simple words, despite of using the correct technical terms - absolutely amazing! Again: thanks Joshua!
Thanks for this. Annoyingly I bought into Flysky (with the Turnigy Evolution!) when I first started FPV, and now I can't figure out an upgrade path that doesn't involve a certain amount of messing around.... with a mix of 5", 3" and whoops all configured and working OK, it'd be nice to move to a better radio and link system knowing it's going to be good for a while.
Damn, if only I knew, I would have gone expressLRS before buying a crossfire system. I just love opensource philosophy and TBS software only works on freaking window$..
@@laing0ian Unfortunately I haven't. 😕 It's a long history, but all my stuff was in my living room, then I constructed a new space for myself upstairs... Everything is already there, but my PC desk broke and I couldn't get another yet. 😕 I've been accessing the web only with my smartphone, so it gets a bit difficult. 😕 Anyway, remember that I'm from Brazil... And I'm not rich. 😬
i started with frsky... a friend o mine told me its good, but he wasnt up to date in fpv business for few years... now im sittign here, got 2 taranis, one with accst (d8 & d16), one with access (only d16)... i wish i could excahnge all my frsky receivers & transmitters for a few crossfires or elrs -.-'
So I'm very new the the FPV community. My first quad and transmitter was the phreakstyle with an XM+ and a QX7s. I spent about 80 hours of research over the course of 3 months trying to bind my transmitter. This video was extremely helpful with using ACCST and knowing what my next setup can be.
A couple of bits that you have missed with the TBS products. One is that they can talk to each other transmitter to receiver to VTX to Fusion enabling dynamic control, OSD and been able to update not only the receiver over the air but also the VTX. That's one of the biggest benefit's of TBS products. Another one is TBS also does PWM from 4, 6 and 8 channels through a simple adaptor boards for both Crossfire and Tracer. ImmersionRC Ghost is supposed to be getting a similar eco system to TBS, the orca goggles have a slot of a Ghost receiver for instance, but not much has been heard about it since. ELRS looks to becoming a great system for the future.
Ive just got the HappyModel ExpressLRS 2.4ghz Tx and the EP2 RX, took a little computer work to get them flashed, which was done via wifi. Bound up no problem. I'm yet to test out range and penetration but I have high hopes for the system. The price was also very good, got the TX and RX for around £30!
which one would you recommend for a FPV pilot in the EU? i fly DJI, and my RC link disconnects while shooting indoor-oneshots with concrete walls, but my video doesn .. so i feel like i want to buy a new remote controller and chose an rc control link for all my quads, thanks!
Hi Joshua. I'm playing around with a cheap 2.4G wifi FPV drone where the there is no receiver in the remote controller - therefore no visible telemetry unless you also connect the smartphone with an appropriate APP (eg the distance, height, number of GPS satellites, etc). Can I ask a stupid question? Can any of these better RC Transmitter/Receiver controllers, that have both transmit and receive, be made to connect and fly these cheap drones. Only certain APPs will establish a connection to the drone so I'm assuming they all seem to have different firmware burnt in.
Joshua, first EXCELLENT VIDEO! Covered it all very thoroughly. The only slide I think that was missing from this video was DJI's FPV control link and how that stands up to all of the others. I only mention it because so many folks (like myself) have BNF quads with DJI Air Units or Caddx Vista systems in them. Again, just for comparison purposes (latency, distance, etc.). Again..excellent video as I'm certainly thinking of going TBS CrossFire with a TBS Tango II controller myself (just to mix things up). 👍👍👍
I have used and continue to use, for nearly 2 years, both the original R9M as well as the R9M 2019 using ACCST on my Jumper T16 Pro. I like using the R9Stab 900mc. stabilized receiver with the 2019 module flashed with ACCST firmware . I use the old R9M module with the R9 mini and slim. It does work with the right legacy firmware . It works well for me and allows me to use SmartPort sensors to see each battery cell which I insist on.
I'm building a long range Chimera7 Pro V2 and bought a TBS Crossfire Nano Rx Pro. What would be the best RC control link for me? Thinking of linking with the TBS Mambo.
Hi everyone! Hopefully someone can answer this question, I’m just getting into fpv so still a newb, but i enjoy watching your videos the most for fpv and other drone related content!! My question is, would I have MORE flexibility with the SAME amount of performance if I buy the 4-in-1 Radiomaster Boxer radio, and then purchase an ELRS transmitter to attach to the back of it, or is the built in ELRS Radiomaster Boxer more effective than the external transmitter, but at the cost of only being able to run ELRS? If so, how much better is it? I suspect that I’ll opt for ELRS for every quad I build, but having flexibility to be able to run pre-built quads is still also appealing to me, although not necessarily necessary lol **EDIT** Ok so i found the answer to my question via reddit and since 4-in-1 multi protocols have pretty much already reached their peak potential, imma go with that for internals and just run an external ELRS to be able to upgrade / change with the rapidly developing tech!
I see why it took so long for this video to come out and it takes a lot to say the things you did and make the suggestions you have made ..I know you stand behind your word and that's why it took so long to come up with the right words .. thanks JB
Another video worth to see to make things about transmitter standarts clear in viewer head. I'm done with FrSky and port inversion issues. Now in migration to Crossfire. By the way TBS Tango 2 already have multimodule with FrSky support.
Amazing coverage of RC control links! I've just entered the FPV hobby with a whoop 3 months ago with a X9D+ and XM+. I have been following this channel and others for a couple of years coming from flying Yuneec/DJI camera/video drones. ELRS 900MHz and 2.4GHz are amazing. Look forward to getting more FPV drones and trying out these new RC control links.
You left out team fail safe! Lol thanks for the great content! I switched from Spektrum to Tracer a few months ago and have been very happy. Tracer can outrun my 700mw DJI video with Iflight Crystals.
How far do you get with the crystals? Have you tried 1200mw? I am searching for a antennas to get out for like 6km. Still not sure if the truerc x-air V2 are worth it or if i should get the iflight crystal
Ariel Imagery- still have any Spectrum receivers that you are interested in selling? As a JR flyer, I am currently locked into that arena, and of course finding difficulties buying receivers currently. Wanna talk?
So I've been having issues with my R-XSR reciever with my qx7. Im done dealing with the issues, should I go for crossfire for easy uses and better quality. I fly alone so I'm not worried bout interference with others. Is TBS crossfire easier to work with than 2.4 ACCST and should I switch?
First of. Thank you so much for all the information you put on TH-cam. I'm researching fpv drones and your channel had been info overload. I have a question, do you need a radio and an rc link? Or can you fly with just the radio? Thank you in advance if you provide feed back.
Also Joshua, I saw you left a comment that the performance is very similar, this is because all of these systems use nearly identical hardware, on the tx it's a 250-1000mw transceiver with a semtech sx12xx chip and a stm32fx chip and the receivers are a semtech sx12xx along with an stm32f0 processor and minimal supporting circuit. The only meaningful differences between them are firmware and operating frequency.
Okay so I have a frysky qx7 accst controller are you saying I can't put a specific module on it cause it has that chip in it that I'd have to solder in a new one or something?
Just an FYI you do have some fixed wing/quad copter pilots that watch your videos. You always have a lot of information that can be useful for airplanes also! (such as battery chargers/range tests/FPV gear)
One of the most important updates of the year. Good job. Would like to know what the future is for video systems. I've been putting off buying a digital video system thinking someday SharkByte may catch up to DJI. I don't trust DJI. I know Timecop hated their guts.
ok so im new to quads.., i have years in the dirt but very little in the air. i bought a f11 sjrc drone and well thats it im hooked !! now i want to level up to a 3 inch cine-race-acro-stylle woop thats under 250g . i like long flight times, i have never flown far but i want the capability and i just picked up a TARANIS X9D PLUS for 75 $ on marketplace what is ?the top 3 that you would recommend ?? learned me something! thanks
I'm using G4/LTE (Matek 765, RPi Zero W 2, UAVcast Pro, Huawei 3372) for digital video, telemetry and long-range control. It would be really nice to rely on a long-range RC link entirely for control, without switching between standard 2.4 GHz (Hitec) and the LTE via MAVlink, but if I'm to use my existing old Hitec handset (really nice Aurora 9), I need a PPM interface on the Tx RF module. Unfortunately, ExpressLRS supports only CRSF, which I realise has much better latency and is supported by all the OpenTX handsets. I know the big TBM Crossfire module supports PPM, but is there an ELRS Tx module which supports PPM?
I've watched the first one, but don't mind watching it again. Thanks JB. P. S. I fly crossfire on my Qx7 after one failsafe with r-xsr 1/3 of a mile away after adjusting my antenna. I've learned since that moving my TX antenna while in flight was a bad move however I haven't had a similar issue since.
I've got a Jumper T16, so FrSky Accst BNF is going to be my way forward until I can save up for a module. Probably going to spring for TBS Crossfire. If I need to replace or upgrade my Jumper, probably going to spring for something with ExpressLRS 2.4 built in and use then-my Crossfire mod for any models that still use it by then, as my long term plan. Might also spring for a commercial eLRS module setup since I haven't really started my return to FPV in earnest yet.
You must be Drone Evangelist Joshua Bardwell :) I see a lot of your videos and pretty much all my answers to drone engineering comes from you. Right now I use TH-cam mostly to seek your advice on various aspects of drone components and configuration. Without you knowing, you are making a big impact worldwide and I thank you for it. 3 cheers to the drone community and to you Joshua. I hope we meet in person sometime in the future.
26:50 Tracefire lol :) the combo protocol wait for it. Thanks for the vids. Maybe I should get a prize for helping you realise the future protocol JB's tracefire link.
One protocol that i would have liked to see in this comparison is the dji receiver in air unit / caddx vista. What do you think of its range, penetration and latency?
Currently flying Crossfire for medium range and frsky for micros. But have ordered a Ghost module and intend to switch everything over to that, eventually. If I had more free time available, maybe I would give elrs a shot. However, after flying Crossfire for over a year, I am spoiled and want a system that just works and is easy to manage. Would have gone with Tracer if they had half-decent range at 250 mw. Unfortunately, as we all know by now, it doesn't.
I am new to FPV I have a few quads and want to change from Spektum to something better for both fixed wing and quads. Also what are the restrictions the FCC puts on 5ghz 2.4 ghz 900mhz ? Been watchin you for quite a while lots of good content a acurate. Keep it up !
I have a question. I have the ACCST model QX7 Taranis radio. And Ive bound that to my TinyHawk and TinyHawk2 FS, as well as flashed and bound my Nazgul5 V2. My question is, If I get a Crossfire unit, can I take the module off my radio and use it as just a base radio, and then (for example) put it on and fly a Flywoo Explorer LR? In other words, can I put it on the radio as needed and remove it to run non crossfire aircraft?
I have a problem, my range is so bad with it. 400 meters and failsafe. A new reciever and antenna are helping nothing ( other reciever placement too). I flasht both new? My lq is most of the time high but the rssidb is so low i have after 300meters -90 at 50 mw ???? Can someone help me
If I update the opentx on my x9 lite radio to support ELRS on R9 module, I should still be able to use my multiprocol module still to fly d8 whoops right? THANKS!
Have only used D8 on most of my quads, and ACCST on one, with a faulty XM plus. But have an ACCESS Archer RS on the way for my freestyle quad, and am looking at what the most reliable/best option will be for beyond that, moving onto 900 MHz for a long range drone, I'm building. So I can decide which module to get for my radio (taranis x9 lite) Thanks for all the great info to help make the choice, when it comes that time!
Already flashed openTX with crossfire, and multiprotocol support onto the radio as well. just as a note. Have the Vantac MPM lite on there at the moment, but am replacing that with an irx4 asap.
Will probably get a crossfire for the moment, and in the near future get an R9 module to flash E-LRS onto, and an E-LRS rx to start experimenting with. Thanks for all of the great info. Great job breaking down the perks and quirks of each system!
Great video. We use Crossfire with Pixhawk on USV's mainly because it allows Mavlink passthrough for telemetry and control. Do these other long range products allow for Mavlink or are they mainly PWM? Thanks!
Thanks for the video Joshua. one quick question please, I'm currently using X9D+ ACCST. if I want to use expressLRS, performance wise, should I buy happymodel one? or buy and flash R9M? Thanks for your reply.
Not a real FrSky fanboy, but you were incorrect about FrSky R9 Access use in 3rd party radios. It WORKS under OpenTX on radios like the Radiomaster Tx16s IF you do the externalaccessmod.
I have an old first edition frsky x9+ with R9 access module (flashed on accst firmware tho) and your video just made me wonder about going ExpressLRS. Password for bind ? Finally evolutions in FPV. And open source + cheap hardware support... Dayum brilliant future for this newcomer
Crossfire/unify pro 32 hv/fusion is the best links hands down! If you have spent any money anywhere else and then got these you wouldn't regret it! So just buy them first
Josh - don't underestimate how many fixed wing pilots watch your channel for exactly this kind of information. I may tune out on the more quad specific stuff you cover but all in all your channel is one of the best out here for all of us RC enthusiasts. Keep it up!
Same here
Im using TBS stuff on my helicopters. Not for range obviously but because of decent link quality
Amen. And don't forget about the fixed-wing VTOL guys!
Yes. I fly both quad and FW. But FW has more of my attention.
Sometimes it irritates me when a good FPV TH-camr says ".... but if you just fly quad, you don't need... (something we need in FW)....."
I fly fixed wing, helicopters, and quadcopters. Why wouldn't I come here to learn and grow? Are guys who fly quads only into quads and guys who fly fixed wings only into fixed wings? If that's true for some, that's totally fine. But why would anyone assume that?
As someone who also creates content, I can 100% appreciate the time and effort that goes into making a video... I can imagine then the pain of having to redo a whole chunk of the vid and re-upload, so I really appreciate that you've corrected the info in here Joshua, well done! Thanks for the shout outs too :)
True. Most people will probably have no idea about the hours of preperation that go into these style of videos. And in 2 month, everything is outdated ;)
wezley varty.. range testing master on the tube
Damn, if only I knew, I would have gone expressLRS before buying a crossfire system. I just love opensource philosophy and TBS software only works on freaking window$.
Bardwell literally always goes above and beyond anything he has to. He deserves any good thing that comes to him in life sincerely...
I have messaged him personally when I was having issues with my quad and he responded and helped me all the way until it was fixed
I wonder how much time it took Joshua Bardwell to prepare for this video?!
BTW, I made folding TPU holders for:
Crossfire Nano RX - Thingiverse 4731250
Tracer RX - Thingiverse 4805377
Ghost Atto RX - Thingiverse 4752951
Been using the Atto one for a few weeks; thanks for posting them!
The updated segments are the entire ELRS segment at 27:45 and a note about ACCESS receiver at 10:46.
Regarding the comparison between Tracer and ELRS at around 28:47, the reason Tracer has much shorter range is that it's using FLRC modulation instead of LoRa modulation like ELRS. The tradeoff is that Tracer has full telemetry, while ELRS has only rudimentary telemetry (vBat, LQ, and RSSI). The claim that ELRS has superior range and latency is not just based on this one test, which I pulled from Wez's YT as an example, and to demonstrate that the claims are based on real flight testing not just theory. Wez has done tons of apples-to-apples comparisons between ELRS and other protocols, and ELRS wins every time. However, if you need full telemetry for features like Betaflight Lua scripts or MAVLINK, ExpressLRS is not the best solution (today).
Thanks for the update :)
For me ExpressLRS is a winner as I get superior range as well as I can stay within the 25mW rules in Europe and recycle my R9 equipment :)
Thanks for your work and all your video! But more telemetry has been added to ExpressLRS : github.com/ExpressLRS/ExpressLRS/pull/204 ;). As an open source project it evolve very quickly :D.
Thank you so much!^^
R9M ACCESS module can be used with the Radio Master TX16s. I have done mod on two RM TX16s and it works without issue. Here is the github link. github.com/cvetaevvitaliy/Radiomaster_TX16S
awesome update :) thanks for doing this!
Getting into FPV as a bit of a noob and finding so many of your videos invaluable. It's clear a lot of research goes into them, thank you very much for making this type of information so accessible!
One of the best JB videos so far I think. Finally you sorted out all the relevant facts and facets around the radio link. I surely learned something today, thank you Joshua!
Appreciate your experience - shows in this video. Didn't realize how Crossfire answers 99% of my concerns. RIP FrSky. (If I had more time, I'd try ExpressLRS)
Crossfire is truly a phenomenal link.
Will you do some video's about ELRS? or have I missed some video from you where you talked about it?
Wow, I didn't expect the decision to be so easy! Looks like I'm going with 2.4GHz ELRS! I'm a huge nut about open source software/hardware (which thankfully is all over the place in the world of miniquads), and it's always amazing when the best choice overall happens to also be open source. Thanks so much for the comprehensive video!
I wish I would’ve went with a tx12 instead of qx7. Learned about elrs after I bought it… being a beginner mistakes like this make learning easier.
r9 acces only supported in FrSky radios? I have Radiomaster tx16s and my R9m lite pro module with Acces works great on this radio!
Using telemetry requires a 2nd UART? I think you forgot about f.port
That got me thinking as well. I have a Jumper T12 Pro and one of the reasons that made me buy it was the module bay, compatible with R9. I don’t have the R9 module yet, but I am pretty sure they work together, I have it in the radio menu already. I could be wrong...
This video should be mandatory education for anyone getting into the hobby. SO MUCH GREAT INFO. Thank you JB.
I would have saved about $200 on FrSky RX's that I either broke, or were outdated and I didn't know because I was new and just desperate to get in the air (like my XM+ and my R9 and my RX6R).
I installed an Archer RS recently and wish that I had just bought a CRSF Nano instead.
Ive been out of the hobby for the better part of the last 2 years. Coming to this video is amazing, the amount of research and information that goes into videos like these is so appreciated. Cheers from Aus
Bardwell: You gonna learn something today!
Me: I use your videos to learn English!
Yeah, I absolutely agree! This is one of the best English channels - fantastic sound quality, which is so important to understand everything (esp. for me, because I'm german native). And Joshua's way of choosing the best possibility to describe something with few and simple words, despite of using the correct technical terms - absolutely amazing!
Again: thanks Joshua!
So do I. 🤓
Bonus! Learn FPV stuff and English! :Thumbs up
Bardwell used to be a kinder garden teacher.
@@daniels5796 it's more likely because JB is talking about something technical in English, and you are a German (technically, technical nationality) 🤷
ELRS! because it's fun to DIY!
Thanks for this. Annoyingly I bought into Flysky (with the Turnigy Evolution!) when I first started FPV, and now I can't figure out an upgrade path that doesn't involve a certain amount of messing around.... with a mix of 5", 3" and whoops all configured and working OK, it'd be nice to move to a better radio and link system knowing it's going to be good for a while.
ExpressLRS best RC LINK, cheap, low latency ,far, tepemetry not delay
2.4Ggz?
Damn, if only I knew, I would have gone expressLRS before buying a crossfire system. I just love opensource philosophy and TBS software only works on freaking window$..
But it has only 4 full res channels, others are only 0-1-2 (aux), and i can not use it, because i am flying fixed wings
@@goku445 Wine?
@@KrotowX It didn't work with WINE sadly.
Fantastic! Thanks a lot, Joshua! 😃
I may flash my R9 with Express LRS!!!
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
definitely do it
it actually makes r9 very competitive in the market again
You haven't done it yet?
@@laing0ian Unfortunately I haven't. 😕
It's a long history, but all my stuff was in my living room, then I constructed a new space for myself upstairs... Everything is already there, but my PC desk broke and I couldn't get another yet. 😕
I've been accessing the web only with my smartphone, so it gets a bit difficult. 😕
Anyway, remember that I'm from Brazil... And I'm not rich. 😬
Hey Joshua, what radio do you recommend to use with the Crossfire module ? If cost isn't a concern.
Came here to learn. You can't ask for better non biased education!! Thank you again Josh Bardwell.
i started with frsky... a friend o mine told me its good, but he wasnt up to date in fpv business for few years... now im sittign here, got 2 taranis, one with accst (d8 & d16), one with access (only d16)... i wish i could excahnge all my frsky receivers & transmitters for a few crossfires or elrs -.-'
I am a little confused, will an R9M module NOT work in my Radiomaster TX12 controller?
So I'm very new the the FPV community. My first quad and transmitter was the phreakstyle with an XM+ and a QX7s. I spent about 80 hours of research over the course of 3 months trying to bind my transmitter. This video was extremely helpful with using ACCST and knowing what my next setup can be.
A couple of bits that you have missed with the TBS products. One is that they can talk to each other transmitter to receiver to VTX to Fusion enabling dynamic control, OSD and been able to update not only the receiver over the air but also the VTX. That's one of the biggest benefit's of TBS products. Another one is TBS also does PWM from 4, 6 and 8 channels through a simple adaptor boards for both Crossfire and Tracer. ImmersionRC Ghost is supposed to be getting a similar eco system to TBS, the orca goggles have a slot of a Ghost receiver for instance, but not much has been heard about it since. ELRS looks to becoming a great system for the future.
ghost already does that, infact the rx to vtx support is the same or better
Ive just got the HappyModel ExpressLRS 2.4ghz Tx and the EP2 RX, took a little computer work to get them flashed, which was done via wifi. Bound up no problem. I'm yet to test out range and penetration but I have high hopes for the system. The price was also very good, got the TX and RX for around £30!
which one would you recommend for a FPV pilot in the EU? i fly DJI, and my RC link disconnects while shooting indoor-oneshots with concrete walls, but my video doesn .. so i feel like i want to buy a new remote controller and chose an rc control link for all my quads, thanks!
I went with the tbs tracer because of the cost and I am very happy with it!
Hi Joshua. I'm playing around with a cheap 2.4G wifi FPV drone where the there is no receiver in the remote controller - therefore no visible telemetry unless you also connect the smartphone with an appropriate APP (eg the distance, height, number of GPS satellites, etc). Can I ask a stupid question? Can any of these better RC Transmitter/Receiver controllers, that have both transmit and receive, be made to connect and fly these cheap drones. Only certain APPs will establish a connection to the drone so I'm assuming they all seem to have different firmware burnt in.
Joshua, first EXCELLENT VIDEO! Covered it all very thoroughly. The only slide I think that was missing from this video was DJI's FPV control link and how that stands up to all of the others. I only mention it because so many folks (like myself) have BNF quads with DJI Air Units or Caddx Vista systems in them. Again, just for comparison purposes (latency, distance, etc.). Again..excellent video as I'm certainly thinking of going TBS CrossFire with a TBS Tango II controller myself (just to mix things up). 👍👍👍
I have used and continue to use, for nearly 2 years, both the original R9M as well as the R9M 2019 using ACCST on my Jumper T16 Pro. I like using the R9Stab 900mc. stabilized receiver with the 2019 module flashed with ACCST firmware . I use the old R9M module with the R9 mini and slim. It does work with the right legacy firmware . It works well for me and allows me to use SmartPort sensors to see each battery cell which I insist on.
I'm building a long range Chimera7 Pro V2 and bought a TBS Crossfire Nano Rx Pro. What would be the best RC control link for me? Thinking of linking with the TBS Mambo.
Hi everyone! Hopefully someone can answer this question, I’m just getting into fpv so still a newb, but i enjoy watching your videos the most for fpv and other drone related content!! My question is, would I have MORE flexibility with the SAME amount of performance if I buy the 4-in-1 Radiomaster Boxer radio, and then purchase an ELRS transmitter to attach to the back of it, or is the built in ELRS Radiomaster Boxer more effective than the external transmitter, but at the cost of only being able to run ELRS? If so, how much better is it? I suspect that I’ll opt for ELRS for every quad I build, but having flexibility to be able to run pre-built quads is still also appealing to me, although not necessarily necessary lol
**EDIT**
Ok so i found the answer to my question via reddit and since 4-in-1 multi protocols have pretty much already reached their peak potential, imma go with that for internals and just run an external ELRS to be able to upgrade / change with the rapidly developing tech!
Thank you JB, a superb run through of these different options, I deffo learnt something today 😃
Every month, I know I'll get my money's worth as a Patreon. This was super helpful. Thanks JB ✌️
I see why it took so long for this video to come out and it takes a lot to say the things you did and make the suggestions you have made ..I know you stand behind your word and that's why it took so long to come up with the right words .. thanks JB
Another video worth to see to make things about transmitter standarts clear in viewer head.
I'm done with FrSky and port inversion issues. Now in migration to Crossfire. By the way TBS Tango 2 already have multimodule with FrSky support.
Amazing coverage of RC control links! I've just entered the FPV hobby with a whoop 3 months ago with a X9D+ and XM+. I have been following this channel and others for a couple of years coming from flying Yuneec/DJI camera/video drones. ELRS 900MHz and 2.4GHz are amazing. Look forward to getting more FPV drones and trying out these new RC control links.
Hi
10x for the video
What is the best penetration in your opinion considering for real estate shooting and small 2.5inch drones
I've already watched the original post. I'm rewatching the whole thing (in background) to keep the algorithm happy
You left out team fail safe! Lol thanks for the great content! I switched from Spektrum to Tracer a few months ago and have been very happy. Tracer can outrun my 700mw DJI video with Iflight Crystals.
How far do you get with the crystals? Have you tried 1200mw? I am searching for a antennas to get out for like 6km. Still not sure if the truerc x-air V2 are worth it or if i should get the iflight crystal
@@hannesju3315 I don’t do long range so I wouldn’t be a good one to answer. Most I’ve ever gone is about 2km but I didn’t have any issues.
Ariel Imagery- still have any Spectrum receivers that you are interested in selling? As a JR flyer, I am currently locked into that arena, and of course finding difficulties buying receivers currently. Wanna talk?
@@wrstew1272 I sold them all already. Sorry
i got my ghost setup up and runnig this week.
it feels amazing and the connection is solid
So I've been having issues with my R-XSR reciever with my qx7. Im done dealing with the issues, should I go for crossfire for easy uses and better quality. I fly alone so I'm not worried bout interference with others. Is TBS crossfire easier to work with than 2.4 ACCST and should I switch?
This video man...wow. Very very helpful for me. Thank you for your hard work!
First of. Thank you so much for all the information you put on TH-cam. I'm researching fpv drones and your channel had been info overload. I have a question, do you need a radio and an rc link? Or can you fly with just the radio? Thank you in advance if you provide feed back.
Also Joshua, I saw you left a comment that the performance is very similar, this is because all of these systems use nearly identical hardware, on the tx it's a 250-1000mw transceiver with a semtech sx12xx chip and a stm32fx chip and the receivers are a semtech sx12xx along with an stm32f0 processor and minimal supporting circuit. The only meaningful differences between them are firmware and operating frequency.
I’m a total quad virgin and I dived in and bought a Mambo. Hope I made the right choice.
Okay so I have a frysky qx7 accst controller are you saying I can't put a specific module on it cause it has that chip in it that I'd have to solder in a new one or something?
Thank you Joshua just made my order cant wait to be back in the air
Joshua, R9m also works with Jumper radios (I'm specifically referring to minute 13:50).
Cheers
you know how you had to mod your taranis qx7 with that tbs mod so ur response time was lower? do i need same mod for the tracer?
great video, but a lot of data.
any change you summed it to a table with latency and price range and all?
Just an FYI you do have some fixed wing/quad copter pilots that watch your videos. You always have a lot of information that can be useful for airplanes also! (such as battery chargers/range tests/FPV gear)
One of the most important updates of the year. Good job. Would like to know what the future is for video systems. I've been putting off buying a digital video system thinking someday SharkByte may catch up to DJI. I don't trust DJI. I know Timecop hated their guts.
Where is Timecop?
@@raypeery6317 haven't heard from him in years.
@@highwaymen1237 that was an interesting time in this hobby. And yes, he hated DJI with a white hot passion. lol
Hey Joshua!
I tip my hat to you for updating the video! I know it was a lot of work.
ok so im new to quads.., i have years in the dirt but very little in the air. i bought a f11 sjrc drone and well thats it im hooked !! now i want to level up to a 3 inch cine-race-acro-stylle woop thats under 250g . i like long flight times, i have never flown far but i want the capability and i just picked up a TARANIS X9D PLUS for 75 $ on marketplace what is ?the top 3 that you would recommend ??
learned me something! thanks
www.fpvknowitall.com/fpv-shopping-list-sub-250g-drones-and-parts/
Thank you! Great video. I am buying my first non LOS drone/plane (aiming for customisation as well) and I found it really informative!
For a first time buyer...beginner in fpv freestyle hobby, what all would be recommended for me?
ExpressELR for sure.
I'm using G4/LTE (Matek 765, RPi Zero W 2, UAVcast Pro, Huawei 3372) for digital video, telemetry and long-range control. It would be really nice to rely on a long-range RC link entirely for control, without switching between standard 2.4 GHz (Hitec) and the LTE via MAVlink, but if I'm to use my existing old Hitec handset (really nice Aurora 9), I need a PPM interface on the Tx RF module. Unfortunately, ExpressLRS supports only CRSF, which I realise has much better latency and is supported by all the OpenTX handsets. I know the big TBM Crossfire module supports PPM, but is there an ELRS Tx module which supports PPM?
Thanks for your time Joshua! This information is gold for good criteria.
Thanks from Argentina
Probably dumb question but does this mean that a radio like the tx16s will not bind with a crossfire rx unless you plug in the crossfire module?
Yes it won't work without a crossfire module
I want a nazgul and dji goggles and caddx polar vista for digital view and crossfire for controls but what remote should I get?
Hey Joshua. Great vid. Do you have any experience with Thomas Scherrer (433/444 Mhz) systems?
AHHH Ive been waiting for this, thanks Josh! :-)
I've watched the first one, but don't mind watching it again. Thanks JB. P. S. I fly crossfire on my Qx7 after one failsafe with r-xsr 1/3 of a mile away after adjusting my antenna. I've learned since that moving my TX antenna while in flight was a bad move however I haven't had a similar issue since.
Hi Josh, why there is no Futaba user at community and how about the FASSTest/FASST/T-FHSS/S-FHSS RC control link systems?
I've got a Jumper T16, so FrSky Accst BNF is going to be my way forward until I can save up for a module.
Probably going to spring for TBS Crossfire.
If I need to replace or upgrade my Jumper, probably going to spring for something with ExpressLRS 2.4 built in and use then-my Crossfire mod for any models that still use it by then, as my long term plan.
Might also spring for a commercial eLRS module setup since I haven't really started my return to FPV in earnest yet.
i enjoy your videos. Very informative. Im new to the hobby. Trying to figure out what upgradable equipment i should start with.
Is the FrSky R9 Access compatible with a Taranis Qx7 with ACCST protocol?
Ciao Joshua, you're the man, kudos to your drive and determination to bring the most up to date info even if it takes having to revise yr video.
Excellent job Joshua!!!
Thanks JB I’m researching this now to upgrade from regular taranis accs
You must be Drone Evangelist Joshua Bardwell :) I see a lot of your videos and pretty much all my answers to drone engineering comes from you. Right now I use TH-cam mostly to seek your advice on various aspects of drone components and configuration. Without you knowing, you are making a big impact worldwide and I thank you for it. 3 cheers to the drone community and to you Joshua. I hope we meet in person sometime in the future.
Well done Joshua! This is the ultimate review for RC systems! 👏
26:50 Tracefire lol :) the combo protocol wait for it. Thanks for the vids. Maybe I should get a prize for helping you realise the future protocol JB's tracefire link.
One protocol that i would have liked to see in this comparison is the dji receiver in air unit / caddx vista. What do you think of its range, penetration and latency?
Currently flying Crossfire for medium range and frsky for micros. But have ordered a Ghost module and intend to switch everything over to that, eventually. If I had more free time available, maybe I would give elrs a shot. However, after flying Crossfire for over a year, I am spoiled and want a system that just works and is easy to manage. Would have gone with Tracer if they had half-decent range at 250 mw. Unfortunately, as we all know by now, it doesn't.
Do you think TBS will make a Tango 2.5 with tracer?
So recently my laptop is outdated. In other words it's trashed. Any of these systems ready to use out box? .maybe the tango? Thanks in advance 🙏👊👊
Realistically, you have to have a PC to do much of the configuration of a quad. Even a cheap PC will run the programs you need.
@@JoshuaBardwell ok thank you. That's what I figured. I appreciate it. 🙏👊👊
I am new to FPV I have a few quads and want to change from Spektum to something better for both fixed wing and quads. Also what are the restrictions the FCC puts on 5ghz 2.4 ghz 900mhz ? Been watchin you for quite a while lots of good content a acurate. Keep it up !
I have a question.
I have the ACCST model QX7 Taranis radio. And Ive bound that to my TinyHawk and TinyHawk2 FS, as well as flashed and bound my Nazgul5 V2. My question is, If I get a Crossfire unit, can I take the module off my radio and use it as just a base radio, and then (for example) put it on and fly a Flywoo Explorer LR? In other words, can I put it on the radio as needed and remove it to run non crossfire aircraft?
Yes
I'm going to stick with Crossfire for now. I can't get ExpressLRS to work on my R9 equipment. After numerous attempts, my TX seems bricked.
Another great informative video Joshua 👍 ... I was all set to go down the Cross fire route , But now in thinking Express LRS 🤔 .. Hhhmmm .
I have a problem, my range is so bad with it. 400 meters and failsafe. A new reciever and antenna are helping nothing ( other reciever placement too). I flasht both new? My lq is most of the time high but the rssidb is so low i have after 300meters -90 at 50 mw ???? Can someone help me
If I update the opentx on my x9 lite radio to support ELRS on R9 module, I should still be able to use my multiprocol module still to fly d8 whoops right? THANKS!
Yes
Excellent video. One piece of missing information is which of these systems are FCC type certified and which of these systems require a HAM license?
None require a HAM license, that's why it's not mentioned.
Have only used D8 on most of my quads, and ACCST on one, with a faulty XM plus. But have an ACCESS Archer RS on the way for my freestyle quad, and am looking at what the most reliable/best option will be for beyond that, moving onto 900 MHz for a long range drone, I'm building. So I can decide which module to get for my radio (taranis x9 lite) Thanks for all the great info to help make the choice, when it comes that time!
Already flashed openTX with crossfire, and multiprotocol support onto the radio as well. just as a note. Have the Vantac MPM lite on there at the moment, but am replacing that with an irx4 asap.
Will probably get a crossfire for the moment, and in the near future get an R9 module to flash E-LRS onto, and an E-LRS rx to start experimenting with. Thanks for all of the great info. Great job breaking down the perks and quirks of each system!
Great video. We use Crossfire with Pixhawk on USV's mainly because it allows Mavlink passthrough for telemetry and control. Do these other long range products allow for Mavlink or are they mainly PWM? Thanks!
They are not PWM but I'm not sure if they support Mavlink passthrough.
Thanks for the video Joshua. one quick question please, I'm currently using X9D+ ACCST. if I want to use expressLRS, performance wise, should I buy happymodel one? or buy and flash R9M? Thanks for your reply.
The ELRS guys would tell you to buy happy model 2.4 GHz because that's where the future is.
@@JoshuaBardwell thanks Joshua.. lots of great info on your channel.
Hi Joshua, one stupid question, can i use happymodel es915rx with frsky r9m? Will they talk to each other?
Both have expresslrs.
Express LRS - I learned something new today.
Not a real FrSky fanboy, but you were incorrect about FrSky R9 Access use in 3rd party radios. It WORKS under OpenTX on radios like the Radiomaster Tx16s IF you do the externalaccessmod.
express lrs also has a 1000mw option on the betafpv erls 2.4ghz micro tx
Is there any way I can put a 10 or 12 channel crossfire unit on my ASW 17 for first person view long range with a DJI system
Well done Joshua. The previous video was good, this one is even better.
I have an old first edition frsky x9+ with R9 access module (flashed on accst firmware tho) and your video just made me wonder about going ExpressLRS. Password for bind ? Finally evolutions in FPV. And open source + cheap hardware support... Dayum brilliant future for this newcomer
Thank you for a very informative video! Just in time!
What options are there on RX side for fixed wing PWM signal in the ELRS universe?
Crossfire/unify pro 32 hv/fusion is the best links hands down! If you have spent any money anywhere else and then got these you wouldn't regret it! So just buy them first
Is it worth updating the DJI controller to one of these?
To keep it short and simple: You rock!
Can you flash the R9 Lite Pro module with Express LRS?
Yes.
Great job JB !